Seeking food assistance can bring up many questions. At the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, we’re committed to making the process as clear and accessible as possible. This guide addresses frequently asked questions to help you understand how you can access food and resources through our programs. We aim to provide you with all the information you need to confidently utilize the services offered by the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and our network of partners.
Eligibility for Food Assistance
How do I know if I qualify for food assistance from the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank?
To qualify for food assistance through The Market at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, families generally need to have an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty guidelines. Additionally, you must be a resident of one of the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset, or Washington County.
If you are unsure whether you meet these guidelines but believe you are in need of food assistance, we encourage you to reach out to us at 412.460.3663 x655. Our team can assess your situation and explore how we can best assist you. We understand that circumstances vary, and we are dedicated to helping individuals and families access the food they need.
The Shopping Experience at The Market
What is a shopping buddy and what role do they play at The Market?
When you visit The Market at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, you’ll be accompanied by a shopping buddy. These volunteers are there to assist you as you select your groceries, providing support and guidance as you move through The Market. Shopping buddies are more than just helpers; they encourage you to explore a wide variety of healthy and nutritious foods, including fresh produce that can sometimes be new to our guests. They also share delicious and easy recipes and can help you locate all the ingredients you need to prepare a wholesome meal for yourself or your family. This personalized assistance ensures a positive and informative shopping experience for everyone visiting The Market.
Service Area and Finding Food Near You
I don’t live in the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank service area. How can I find food assistance closer to me?
If you reside outside of our direct service area, which includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset, and Washington counties, you can still easily find food assistance. We recommend utilizing the 2-1-1 helpline. Simply dial 2-1-1, or visit their website at 211.org. Another helpful resource is our online Find Food Guide, available at https://findfood.pittsburghfoodbank.org/s/. These resources will connect you with food pantries and programs in your local area, ensuring you can access the food support you need, regardless of your location.
What to Bring When Visiting The Market
What do I need to bring with me when I visit The Market at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank?
When you come to The Market, it’s important to bring a photo ID that displays your current address. This is required for each visit to verify your residency and ensure we are serving our community effectively. If your photo ID doesn’t show your current address, please bring an alternative proof of residency, such as a Social Security statement or a recent utility bill. Additionally, we encourage you to bring reusable bags to carry your groceries home. This helps us reduce waste and is more convenient for you.
Visiting Hours and Options for Limited Availability
What if my availability to visit The Market is only between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.?
We understand that many individuals have scheduling constraints. For guests arriving at The Market between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m., we offer a convenient Market Mix pre-packed box. Please note that during this hour, shopping within The Market is not available. However, this pre-packed box ensures you still receive essential food items. If you have placed an OrderAhead order, you can pick it up during regular shopping hours or during this 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. non-shopping pickup window. This option provides flexibility for those with limited time.
Registration and Paperwork
Is there a lot of paperwork involved in registering for services at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank?
No, we have streamlined our registration process to minimize paperwork and make it as quick and easy as possible. When you register at The Market, the process is electronic and generally takes only about five minutes to complete. Upon your first visit, you will be issued a shopper’s card. For all subsequent visits, you simply need to scan your shopper’s card to check in. This efficient system reduces wait times and gets you into The Market faster, ensuring you can access the food you need without unnecessary delays.
Appointments and Visit Procedures
Do I need to make an appointment to visit The Market?
No, you do not need to make an appointment to visit The Market. We welcome walk-ins during our operating hours to make accessing food as straightforward as possible.
What is the process when I arrive at The Market?
Upon arrival at The Market, you will be greeted by our friendly staff who will provide you with a number. You will then be directed to our intake office to complete your registration if it’s your first visit, or to check in if you are a returning guest. Once your number is called, you will be paired with a shopping buddy and can begin selecting your groceries. We strive to make the entire process welcoming and easy to navigate.
Frequency of Visits
How often can I visit The Market to receive food assistance?
We want to ensure consistent support for our community members. You are welcome to visit The Market up to two times per month. However, to ensure equitable access for everyone, we ask that visits are not more frequent than once within a single calendar week. This allows us to serve a greater number of households while still providing regular assistance to those in need.
Picking Up Food for Others
Can I pick up food for someone else at The Market?
Yes, you can pick up food for another household. To do so, the person you are picking up for needs to have a proxy form on file with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, listing you as their authorized proxy. If a current proxy form is in place with your name, you can pick up a pre-packed Market Mix box for them or collect an OrderAhead order they have placed. It’s important to note that while you can pick up food for others, no one is permitted to shop for someone else within The Market. You can pick up for up to two households in addition to your own.
Can someone else pick up food for me at The Market?
Similarly, yes, someone else can pick up food on your behalf. You will need to complete a proxy form with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, authorizing them to pick up for you. This person cannot shop for you in The Market, but they can pick up a pre-packed Market Mix box or an OrderAhead order that you have previously arranged. Additionally, any adult (over 18 years of age) listed as a member of your household can shop in The Market for your household.
Food Options and Personal Choice
What types of food are available at The Market?
The Market offers a wide variety of food options to meet diverse needs and preferences. You can expect to find fresh fruits and vegetables, a range of shelf-stable pantry items, various cuts of meat, and even non-food essentials. We strive to provide a balanced selection to support healthy meal preparation.
Do I get to choose the food I receive at The Market?
Yes, at The Market, you have the opportunity to choose the food items your household will use. All guests shop with a shopping buddy who will assist you as you make your selections, offering guidance and information as you go through The Market to ensure you find items that best suit your needs and preferences.
Cost of Services
How much does it cost to receive food assistance from the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank?
All services provided by the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, including access to The Market and food assistance programs, are offered to the community completely free of charge. We are committed to ensuring that food is accessible to everyone in need within our service area without any financial barriers.
Additional Support Services
Does the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank offer other forms of assistance beyond food?
Yes, the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank is dedicated to supporting our community in multiple ways. We can assist customers in signing up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, which can provide ongoing food benefits. We also offer information and referrals to a range of other resources and support services that may be beneficial to you and your family. To learn more about SNAP and other available resources, please contact our Call Center at 412.460.3663 x655.
How can I get more information about SNAP and other resources available through the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank?
We have a dedicated Community Connections Team available on-site at The Market to provide direct assistance. They can help you complete your SNAP application and answer any questions you might have about our various resources. For more information about SNAP and other support services, you can call us at 412.460.3663 x655, visit our website at https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/what-we-do/individuals-families/snap-and-life-stabilization-services/, or speak with our team during your visit to The Market. We are here to help you access all the support you need.
